Disclaimer: Koval and Cretak are characters from the episode "Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges" of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

Asfastr had always been taught to admire Romulan soldiers, however, he could not help but despise those who were now escorting him. He tried to remember all his mother had once instilled into him, but it was precisely thinking of his mother and all those not so old beliefs fell apart to show him a far bitter version of the world around him. He had also noticed the Romulan insignia that proudly had welcomed him as he had entered the building; once he had felt comforted by its presence, now it seemed oppressive. He had always known how quickly circumstances could change; he had just not expected them to change his own person too. He realized he was not who he used to be.

He walked the prison's wide corridor in silence; nothing but the rhythmic sounds of the guards' boots against the gray corridor could be heard. He hated that silence. The clear lights and the tidiness of the place also bothered him. They masked well the grim reality awaiting once into the isolated cells; they tricked him to make him feel safe.

Several doors and force fields were left behind, and finally he found himself facing the same dreadful room. Asfastr told himself that he should feel glad, even elated, but he always feared the next encounter with his mother. He was afraid he would be unable to smile, to tell her some positive words; he feared he would break down and burst into tears, and make her life even more miserable than it already was.

At the windowless room there were only two metal chairs fixed to the floor; her mother was seated on one of them, straight and calm. Again, he made a conscious effort to smile at her, and her own lips creaked a light smile as her eyes brightened. Asfastr studied her as he always did. There were no visible bruises, but he could see another new wrinkle on her forehead. Her prison clothes were clean, as well as her still perfectly cut and trimmed hair. She looked just fine; she always said she was treated well, but that could easily be a lie told to protect both of them.

The jailers had left them alone. Asfastr took the empty chair and sat across his mother. He reached his hand to delicately take hers, and she caressed his, and her weak smile turned more sincere. It was a private moment, if they could just forget they were actually being closely monitored; they both were painfully aware of how far freedom was from them. Even if only three years ago she had been a promising senator and her name, Cretak, was often spoken as one to hold a position in the Continuing Committee, now she was just a prisoner who fought to avoid the death penalty, and nobody cared about the past, because one could only live at the present. And the present was harsh.

Simple words came next. He hated again the moment when she asked him about his job. He knew well she resented he had left the military soon after she was imprisoned; she had always told him how important it was for her, she just couldn't understand how unbearable it was for him. But he had no right to tell her that, not when she was the one who was in and he the one who was out. Unable to fulfill one of her wishes, he concentrated all his efforts in pleasing the other.

And he was also failing in that. Silent came; she was expecting the news. He met her eyes and fear appeared for an instant on them; he didn't want to hurt her, but she deserved the truth. He dragged his words out.

"I sent greetings to your friend, but she hasn't answered back. Again."

Her hands rested now on her lap; she had still that serene pose that no hardship seemed able to break. He admired her fortitude.

"So finally I've been left alone," she commented, but he couldn't read any sarcasm. "I was extremely surprised that she answered me the first time. I'm not a very useful ally now," and a brief sardonic smile crossed her lips.

"Maybe she's just been delayed," he tried to cheer her up.

Her mother scowled. "You know well she is not," she rebuked. "I guess he was right when he said I was a fool."

Those words hurt him deeply, they showed the strain she was under; her pride would have never allowed her to speak them out before. "You just did what you thought was right!" Asfastr shouted, and found himself standing up as he defended his point. He hated his mother would say such things of herself, especially when he really approved on her past actions.

However, a slight movement of her hand commanded him back to his chair. He remembered they were under surveillance.

"And I was wrong," she answered, and her firm tone told him clearly she did not care about them; she also believed in the words she said. She hardly lowered her eyes for a single instant before continuing, "I know that now. I regretted my decision the moment I did it. Obviously, too late."

Cretak smiled sympathetically at him. "I just wanted to do right," she paused. "But there is nothing else we can do, Ligriv," he gulped at the mention of his secret name, and fought back the tears, "I guess we just have to resign to the sour fact that we have been outmatched and the game is over now."

Her mother had always been pragmatic; still, her will to improve had helped her overcome the odds several times before. However, she was finally giving up to reality in this last fight.

"There is still a chance," he blurted out before he could think about what he was doing. "I know someone who may be able to help us!"

"You do?" she seemed skeptical.

He lowered his eyes and nervously fidgeted with his hands before confessing, "You aren't going to like him. You wouldn't want him involved." It was all he risked to say.

Her playful smile was a stark contrast against his grim look. "You aren't going to tell me you have befriended one of my political enemies? Senator Romalek?" It was amazing she was still able to joke about under the circumstances.

He certainly couldn't. He whispered, "I wish."

Cretak leaned forward and fixed her determined gaze on her insecure son. "There is a real traitor in our midst, and anyone who can help us to expose the rat and avoid further damage to the Empire is welcome." She rarely spoke so clearly about what she was intending to do now; she always feared unwanted ears. But she wanted to reassure him.

Asfastr averted his light brown eyes, thought, fearing she could read right through them. It was ironic she would pick those words to encourage him. He didn't really care about the traitor, or the Empire; he just wanted to prove her innocence and help her out.

"I will contact him. He's our last chance." His mood was still dark.

Her mother frowned seeing he wasn't comforted by her words, but she didn't question further. "Good," she said, and so their next step was settled.